Teen girl killed in horror crash involving truck in Locksley

A young girl, who was killed in a tragic car crash police described as “every parent’s worst nightmare”, has been identified.

The female driver is currently under police guard in hospital. Photo: ABC

An outpouring of grief has hit a Victorian community after a teenager died in a “nightmare” crash where a 14-year-old girl was allegedly behind the wheel.

Montana Russell was killed when a car she was travelling in along the Hume Highway in Locksley, in Victoria’s north, collided with a truck near Alexandersons Rd at around 8:30am on Wednesday.

The 15-year-old, who was the front passenger of a car allegedly driven by a 14-year-old friend, died at the scene.

Montana Russell has been identified as the young girl killed in the crash.

She was just 15 when she passed away.

A 14-year-old girl is under police guard after the incident. Photo: Jack Colantuono

The late teenager’s friends and family flooded social media with their grief, remembering the “gorgeous” girl who was taken too soon.

“Love u to the moon and back my beautiful girl,” Mel Russell, a relative, said.

“i love you monty, this shouldnt of happened rest easy darl, i will be w soon i love you gorgeous,” another said.

The driver of the car suffered non-life threatening injuries and was flown to hospital under police guard.

The other male passenger, aged 12, suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital.

The children are known to each other, police believe.

The 45-year-old truck driver from Tabilk was not injured and is assisting police with their inquiries.

Police have been told that the Captiva had been taken from a driveway near Wangaratta on Tuesday night.

Victoria Police were contacted on Wednesday morning to report it being driven erratically south of Locksley according to Superintendent Michael Layton.

"This is a tragic scene and high risk-taking behaviour by youths," Superintendent Layton said. Photo: Jack Colantuono

The female driver is currently under police guard in hospital. Photo: ABC

“It‘s a really tragic event, really unfortunate circumstances, and something that’s been quite difficult to deal with,” Superintendent Layton said.

“A life-changing event unfortunately for the family of the deceased 15-year-old girl, and the family of the other two youths in this incident where they are coming to terms with the injuries and the consequences of what‘s occurred.

“I would suggest to you it‘s totally avoidable and I’d also say it’s also every parent’s worst nightmare who might be dealing with rebellious teens and young people.”